How to Remove Clarity Tab Browser Hijacker

Browser hijackers like Clarity Tab can significantly compromise your online security and privacy. While presenting themselves as useful browser enhancements, these unwanted extensions modify your browser settings without proper consent and track your online activities. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Clarity Tab browser hijacker and detailed instructions for its complete removal.

Name	Clarity Tab
Threat Type	Browser Hijacker, Redirect, Search Hijacker, Toolbar, Unwanted New Tab
Browser Extension	Clarity Tab
Supposed Functionality	Browser wallpapers and widgets (clock, weather, bookmarks, etc.)
Promoted URL	google.com (redirects search queries)
Affected Browser Settings	Homepage, new tab URL, default search engine
Symptoms	Changed browser settings, forced redirects, unwanted new tab behavior
Distribution Methods	Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling)
Damage	Privacy violations, browser tracking, unwanted advertisements, potential gateway for other threats

What is the Clarity Tab Browser Hijacker?

Clarity Tab is a deceptive browser extension that claims to enhance your browsing experience by providing customizable new tab features such as clock widgets, weather information, bookmarks, and aesthetic wallpapers. However, its primary function is quite different from what it advertises.

Once installed, Clarity Tab modifies critical browser settings without proper user consent. It changes your browser’s homepage, default search engine, and new tab page settings to promote specific websites through redirects. During our investigation, we found that Clarity Tab primarily redirects users to Google’s search engine (google.com), potentially as part of an affiliate revenue scheme.

More concerning is Clarity Tab’s data collection behavior. The extension monitors users’ browsing activities, collecting sensitive information that may include:

• Websites visited and pages viewed
• Search queries entered
• Browsing history and bookmarks
• Potentially even usernames, passwords, and personal information

This collected data may be shared with or sold to third parties for advertising or more nefarious purposes, creating significant privacy risks for affected users.

How Does Clarity Tab Infect Your Computer?

Clarity Tab primarily spreads through several deceptive distribution methods:

1. Software bundling: The browser hijacker is secretly bundled with free software downloaded from unofficial sources. When users rush through installation procedures using “Quick” or “Express” options, they unknowingly agree to install additional components like Clarity Tab.
2. Deceptive websites: Clarity Tab has an “official” download page that appears legitimate but misleads users about the extension’s true functionality.
3. Misleading advertisements: Pop-up and banner ads on questionable websites may promote Clarity Tab with false promises about improved browsing experience.
4. Redirect chains: Users might be redirected through a series of websites until they reach a page promoting Clarity Tab or automatically triggering its download.

Once installed, Clarity Tab implements persistence mechanisms that make it difficult to remove through standard browser settings. The extension may continually revert changes users make to their homepage or search engine settings, requiring a more comprehensive removal approach.

Connection to Other Browser Threats

Clarity Tab belongs to a larger ecosystem of potentially unwanted browser extensions and applications. Similar browser hijackers include Tab Of Nature, which uses nature-themed wallpapers as a lure, and QuickSeek, which promises faster search functionality while actually redirecting and tracking users.

Browser hijackers like Clarity Tab often serve as gateways to more serious threats. The data tracking capabilities they employ are similar to those used by more sophisticated information-stealing malware such as Emotet. By compromising browser security and gathering user data, these hijackers create vulnerabilities that can be exploited by other malware.

Additionally, the persistent connection to remote servers for data transmission makes affected systems more susceptible to remote attacks, potentially leading to further infections with ransomware or banking trojans like TrickBot.

How to Remove Clarity Tab Browser Hijacker

To completely remove the Clarity Tab browser hijacker from your system, follow these detailed instructions for your specific browser:

For Google Chrome:

1. Click the three dots menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of Chrome
2. Select “More tools” and then “Extensions”
3. Find “Clarity Tab” in the list of extensions
4. Click “Remove” to uninstall it
5. To reset your browser settings:
   • Go back to the three dots menu (⋮)
   • Select “Settings”
   • Scroll down and click on “Advanced”
   • Find the “Reset and clean up” section
   • Click “Restore settings to their original defaults”
   • Confirm by clicking “Reset settings”

For Mozilla Firefox:

1. Click the menu button (☰) in the top-right corner
2. Select “Add-ons and themes”
3. Click on “Extensions”
4. Find “Clarity Tab” and click the three dots next to it
5. Select “Remove”
6. To reset your browser settings:
   • Click the menu button (☰) again
   • Select “Help”
   • Click “Troubleshooting Information”
   • Click the “Refresh Firefox” button
   • Confirm by clicking “Refresh Firefox” in the dialog box

For Microsoft Edge:

1. Click the three dots menu (⋯) in the top-right corner
2. Select “Extensions”
3. Find “Clarity Tab” in the list
4. Click on “Remove” button
5. To reset your browser settings:
   • Go back to the three dots menu (⋯)
   • Select “Settings”
   • Click on “Reset settings” from the left panel
   • Select “Restore settings to their default values”
   • Confirm by clicking “Reset”

For Safari:

1. Click “Safari” in the menu bar
2. Select “Preferences”
3. Go to the “Extensions” tab
4. Find “Clarity Tab” and click “Uninstall”
5. To reset your browser settings:
   • Click “Safari” in the menu bar
   • Select “Clear History and Website Data…”
   • Choose “all history” from the dropdown menu
   • Click “Clear History”

For comprehensive protection and to ensure complete removal of Clarity Tab and any associated malware, we recommend using Trojan Killer. This specialized security tool can detect and remove browser hijackers and other potentially unwanted applications that might be difficult to remove manually.

How to Prevent Browser Hijacker Infections

To minimize the risk of browser hijacker infections in the future, follow these essential preventive measures:

• Download software only from official sources: Avoid freeware websites and third-party download platforms that may bundle additional unwanted software.
• Pay attention during installation: Always use “Custom” or “Advanced” installation options and carefully review all steps, declining any additional offers or bundled applications.
• Keep your browsers updated: Browser updates often include security patches that protect against hijacking attempts.
• Install a reliable ad-blocker: This can prevent deceptive ads that lead to browser hijacker downloads.
• Review browser extensions regularly: Periodically check your installed extensions and remove any that you don’t recognize or no longer use.
• Use a reputable security solution: Tools like Trojan Killer can detect and block browser hijacker installation attempts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What information does Clarity Tab collect from my browsing?

Clarity Tab can track and collect various types of data, including URLs visited, search queries entered, browsing history, bookmarks, and potentially even login credentials. This information may be shared with or sold to third parties for marketing or more malicious purposes.

Why does Clarity Tab redirect to Google instead of a suspicious search engine?

Redirecting to legitimate search engines like Google is a common tactic used by browser hijackers to appear less suspicious. The hijacker likely earns revenue through affiliate programs by driving traffic to Google, while simultaneously collecting user data and maintaining control over browser settings.

Will removing the Clarity Tab extension completely solve the problem?

Not always. Browser hijackers often implement persistence mechanisms that can reinstall the extension or maintain altered settings even after initial removal. Following the complete removal procedures outlined in this guide, including resetting browser settings, is essential for full remediation.

Can Clarity Tab install additional malware on my system?

Yes, browser hijackers like Clarity Tab can potentially download and install additional malware on your system. They create security vulnerabilities and maintain communication channels with remote servers that can be used to deliver more dangerous threats.

How can I tell if my browser has been hijacked?

Signs of browser hijacking include unexplained changes to your homepage or search engine, new toolbars or extensions you don’t remember installing, increased pop-up ads, redirects when clicking on links, and unusually slow browser performance.

Conclusion

Clarity Tab represents a typical browser hijacker that masquerades as a helpful browser enhancement while actually compromising user privacy and security. By understanding its distribution methods, behavior patterns, and removal techniques, you can not only eliminate this specific threat but also better protect yourself against similar browser hijackers in the future.

The intrusive nature of browser hijackers extends beyond mere annoyance – they create genuine privacy risks through their data collection activities and potential connection to more serious malware. Taking a proactive approach to browser security, including regular extension audits and cautious installation practices, remains your best defense against these deceptive threats.

If you suspect your system has been compromised by Clarity Tab or other browser hijackers, applying the thorough removal techniques outlined in this guide should restore your browser’s functionality and help safeguard your personal information.